How did girls acquire knowledge about animal care and garden management in the rural areas of Mallorca?

In the rural areas of Mallorca, girls traditionally acquired knowledge about animal care and garden management through hands-on experience and close observation within their family environment. From a young age, they participated in daily chores alongside their mothers and grandmothers, learning practical skills in an organic and unstructured manner. This intergenerational transfer of knowledge was central to their education, as older women imparted wisdom about the rhythms of nature, the specific needs of different plants, and the behavior and care of local livestock.

The education was deeply rooted in the seasonal cycles, with girls observing the growth of vegetable gardens and orchards, understanding when to sow seeds, water plants, and harvest produce. Animal husbandry was similarly taught through routine tasks, such as feeding and cleaning, which helped them develop a keen sense of responsibility and empathy for the creatures they cared for. These lessons were often reinforced by storytelling and local customs, embedding traditional techniques and environmental awareness into their practical knowledge.

In this context, formal schooling played a secondary role to the experiential learning that took place on family farms and in village communities. The hands-on approach enabled girls to gain a comprehensive understanding not only of individual tasks but also of the broader ecosystem they nurtured. This blend of observation, practice, and oral tradition ensured that the skills necessary for sustainable living were passed down effectively, sustaining both the family’s livelihood and Mallorca’s rich rural heritage.